A Day at the Park

Forgotten Present and a Movie

I am so mad at myself, people. So very mad. Remember this cute little bag, my very first felting project? I've been working on hand-sewing beads all over that sucker. Dad, working in the emergency room, had to work until 5:30 pm on Christmas, so I was going to have all day on Christmas to finish beading it. All day! It was turning out so beautifully, too! Then I was going to stick it in a pretty box and watch Mom's face light up when she opened it.

But...no. I apparently left the damn thing behind in Maryland when I was packing. I am furious at myself. I mean, sure, she's okay with getting the present later, but I was really excited about it, because it was turning out so well! Grrr.....

Instead of spending the whole day beading (since I didn't actually have the materials)(grr again), Mom suggested we go to the movies. We went to see Avatar. Seriously, if you haven't seen it yet, go. Right now. It was absolutely freaking fantastic. I'm not so sure that the 3D part was necessary- I was having a little trouble focusing on it, and it was an extra $3:50 a ticket!- but the story was incredible. There really wasn't a dull moment at all. It wasn't really a kids movie, as I was afraid it would be. It does some really good character development, and has a great plot. The visuals were also amazing. It wasn't like they just made the forest look like another Earth; rather, they created entirely new, beautiful organisms from scratch. Additionally, unlike in Beowulf where the characters moved a little jerkily, the computer-generated characters here were smooth and life-like. My poor mother made a mad dash for the bathroom as soon as it was over, because she had really had to go but didn't want to miss a second of the show. I don't want to say any more without giving it away, but really- go see it.

All Snowed In

We got 17 inches of snow yesterday. That is a lot of snow, people. Alright, maybe not to folks from way up North, but to someone who's only ever seen a couple of inches at a time, that is a lot of snow.



I'm trapped at my grandparent's house (the rapid move-out from my apartment is a story for another time). While I am bored out of my mind, I am, at least, enjoying the scenery outside.

I have to say, I'm pretty damn impressed by the icicles:


This is the back deck. Note that the snow is higher than the seats of the chairs:


I am amazed at the way that cars got snowed in:


I'd never actually seen a snow plow at work before:


Doesn't it look like these plants should be coming up from a dune, rather than a snow mound?


I also took several pictures of the prettyness on my walk:

FO: Red Scarves

I finished knitting for the Red Scarf Project at the very last minute. I actually finished up the second scarf the morning of the 15^th, which was the deadline. This is why I didn't manage to get any good FO pictures. I did, however, snap a quick picture of the box:

Dog Update

I showed you Ani, but anyone wonder what's been happening with Mia and Napoleon? No? Well, either way, they've been looking pretty adorable lately.

My mother's latest fix for Napoleon's constant-freezingness is a hooded sweatshirt:


Yes, it looks ridiculous, but at least he seems to be a little warmer. Here's a side view:


And for anyone who is fooled by that innocent looking face, this is what the vets have to do every time Napoleon visits:


He tends to lunge for hands, throats, or whatever he can get to. He was banned from PetSmart Grooming after we tried taking him to get his nails clipped there once. My mother bought the muzzle in hopes that she can cut his nails herself at home.

In Mia news....

She's been working on her begging skills:


She's staring hopefully and longingly at my mother's food. I'm surprised she doesn't get a crick in her neck!

Here's a close-up of those pretty brown eyes. Notice the nice bow; she had just gotten back from the groomer when the picture was taken:


She is very satisfied after she is indulged with a snack:

At least someone appreciates my knitting...

My boyfriend may not overly appreciate my knitting, but his dog sure does. I'd show you a better picture of the shawl, but Anika here (Ani for short) just did not want to be moved!

Hiding her face from the camera, or burying it in the shawl for comfort- I'm not sure which one it is!



A book, a cell phone, and comfortable knitting- she's a pretty lucky dog right there!

Holiday Traditions

Crystal over at Bead Happily Ever After has invited everyone to answer some questions about holiday traditions. Why not share my Christmas habits here, too? So, here goes:

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?

Both. I love wrapped presents, but for some items, or if I'm in a rush, a gift bag is just more practical. It's also m more environmentally friendly, since it's reusable.

2. Real tree or Artificial?

Artificial. I grew up with an artificial tree because I have a younger brother with horrible, terrible allergies. Now, I'm used to the convenience of having a tree in the closet, rather than having to buy one and lug it back. I'm going to my parents' house for Christmas, though, so I probably won't even bother putting up one in my apartment.

3. When do you put up the tree?

This year, not at all. In family tradition, the weekend after Thanksgiving.

4. When do you take the tree down?

About a month after it goes up.

5. Do you like eggnog?

I love eggnog! It's terribly unhealthy, which is probably why it tastes so good. I also love eggnog flavored ice cream.

6. Favorite gift received as a child?

My favorite gift was definitely the American Girl doll, Felicity. She came in a different dress when I got her, though. I loved that doll- my mother made me a bunch of dresses for her, too.

7. Hardest person to buy for?

My mother is terrible to shop for. She's a practical person who doesn't like to have anything around that she doesn't actually need. Anything impractical or dust-collecting is a no-no. She doesn't like anything scented, either.

8. Easiest person to buy for?

My grandfather. The only thing is that I don't buy for him, I knit for him- he loves anything that I make him and wears it with pride.

9. Do you have a nativity scene?

Nope. I used to have one when I was little; I don't know what happened to it.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards?

I mostly like to hand-deliver them, if possible- if not, then mail. There's just something about a tangible card.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?

I really can't think of anything off the top of my head.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie?

For some reason, ever since I was younger, I've always loved The Year Without A Santa Claus. It's a little silly, but I still enjoy it and try to catch it when it's on TV every year. It's a classic.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?

I keep an eye out for stuff all year- it's a trick that my mother taught me. That way, I don't do the frantic shopping right before Christmas. As for knitted gifts, I generally start knitting them around September.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?

I don't like to regift.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?

Christmas cookies. Definitely the Christmas cookies. Every year, my mother used to bake baskets full of them to send with my father to work- butter cookies, coconut macaroons, chocolate truffles- it was fantastic.

16. Lights on the tree?

Yes, of course! Is it really a full-decorated Christmas tree without lights?

17. Favorite Christmas song?

I've always been rather fond of The Twelve Days of Christmas- although I always get a little confused once you reach 9 or so of the order that the items go in.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?

Travel home to my parents.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer?

No, but I wish I could- it would be a helpful skill.

20. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?

It's always been Christmas morning for us. My brother's birthday is Christmas Eve, so we've always tried to keep that a separate, non-Christmas day for him. Before he was born, though, I was always allowed to open one gift on Christmas Eve.

21. Most annoying thing about this time of the year?

Traffic, traffic, traffic.

22. Favorite ornament theme or color?

I have some beaded ornaments that were made by my great grandmother. I also love glass ornaments, because you can stick them in front of a colored light and it looks really pretty shining through.

23. What do you want for Christmas this year?

Webs Interchangable Circular Needles. I'd also really like a toaster. Yes, I'm a bit practical.

24. Angel on the treetop or a star?

We've always had an angel holding a candle.

25. Favorite Christmas dinner?

I love a good honey-baked ham, as well as some crescent rolls on the side. Sometimes, if we're feeling productive, my mother or I will also make some additional, non-traditional foods as well. Past ones have included meatballs, croquetas, and a tortilla española or tortilla de patatas (yes, we like our Spanish foods).